Technology and conversation: the foundations of sustainability

Description

As a “greener”, sustainable Web host, we’ve learned a lot about how technology can be harnessed to help a business operate more efficiently and eco-friendly. We’ve also learned the importance of conversation and relationships to build trust and complete the circle when so much of our day-to-day interactions with customers is done through virtual and online interfaces.

People ask me all the time, “What is sustainable Web hosting”? It’s the start of a fantastic conversation that covers not only the technology we use and develop, but how we operate our business, how we work with our employees as a greater team, the decisions we make that affect and support the local economy, and the overriding corporate philosophy of sustainability in all decisions and business operations on a day-to-day basis.

I am a firm believer that while nothing we are doing is rocket science, many of the same principles could be used by most any business if done the right way and for the right reason.

As a business owner, this is what gets my blood running hot and keeps me up late at night — always figuring out ways to help our customers and other businesses we interact with, to become more sustainable.

David Anderson

Principal of Canvas Dreams, a sustainable Web host located in downtown Portland, Oregon. A lifelong Oregonian passionate about technology and nature, David is active in many sustainable networks and organizations, including Green America, Green Drinks, EcoTuesday, ReDirect Guide, the Sustainable Business Network of Portland.